Switching between two Wnt signaling pathways to improve airway cell health
Official title: Canonical to noncanonical Wnt signaling switch in airway epithelial health and disease
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10997407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two different pathways in our cells can help improve the health of airway cells in the lungs, especially for people with asthma and cystic fibrosis, by finding ways to boost the tiny hair-like structures that help clear mucus from the airways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 10, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $570,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166895-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute respiratory infections or those without chronic airway conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how two different Wnt signaling pathways affect the health of airway epithelial cells, which are crucial for proper lung function. It focuses on understanding how these pathways can be manipulated to improve the formation and function of ciliated cells that help clear mucus from the airways. By studying the mechanisms behind ciliated cell formation and dysfunction in conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatments for chronic airway diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore proper ciliated cell function, improving lung health for patients with chronic airway diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating Wnt signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vladar, Eszter Katalin — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Vladar, Eszter Katalin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.